There’s More to Know About Roofing Shingles

A free article on Home Improvement

By: realart

When most homeowners think about roofing shingles, they have the traditional three-tab asphalt shingle in mind. Asphalt shingles are by far the most popular roofing shingle because of their versatility, durability and low cost relative to other roofing materials.

The problem is that the three-tab asphalt shingle is so popular that many homeowners don’t know what options exist for their roofs. Even the range of asphalt shingles has expanded over the years and you have a number of options when it comes time to re-shingle your roof.

As mentioned, one of the reasons that asphalt shingles are so popular is their versatility. It starts with the variety of colours of asphalt shingles. Roofing is an underestimated component of the overall look of your home and something as simple as a different colour of shingle can dramatically change the look of your house.

But the versatility of asphalt shingles goes beyond the rainbow of colours. Architectural shingles, made by laminating together two or three layers of asphalt shingles, have added new and interesting looks residential roofs. With multiple layers, architectural roofing shingles have a three dimensional appearance, which designers have used to imitate the look different types of roofing shingles. So now you can get the reliability and value of traditional asphalt shingles, but with the look of wooden shakes or slate shingles. The combination of colours and styles means you can get just about any look you want for your roof, all with reliable asphalt shingles.

Asphalt shingles’ versatility isn’t limited to appearance and applications. Even with reasonable prices compared to other roofing shingles, it does not mean that installing a new asphalt shingled roof is cheap. So it’s not something you want to do very often. All roofing shingles are rated according to their warranteed life expectancy. Ratings for asphalt shingles range from 15 to 50 years. You can find asphalt shingles that have a “lifetime” warranty, but some warranties can be deceiving and you should make sure you read and understand the terms.

Although they seem to be everywhere, asphalt shingles are not your only option for roofing shingles. Many homeowners opt for the unique features and rustic look of wooden shingles. Made primarily from western red cedar, wooden shingles are the environmentally friendly choice of roofing materials. Not only are the shingles biodegradable, but they also insulate better than other roofing shingles, so they reduce energy consumption – and costs.

Contrary to what many homeowners believe, cedar roofing shingles are resistant to insect infestations and have fire retardant qualities. Cedar shingles also resist the elements and, unlike asphalt shingles, will not curl or delaminate.

There are two main drawbacks to cedar shingles. First, they are about twice as costly as asphalt shingles. Second, they have a shorter lifespan. The combination of higher price and shorter life limits the appeal of cedar shingles to those homeowners looking for the unique appearance and characteristics of wooden shingles.

If durability is your main criteria for choosing a roofing shingle, then slate shingles are for you. Many slate shingled roofs will last 100 years or more. Very often, the only reason slate shingles need repair or replacement is because metal components, like the nails used to fasten the shingles, have corroded and failed.

Slate shingles also give a home a very distinctive look and are in higher demand in upscale neighbourhoods. Part of the reason for this is the cost of slate shingles, generally regarded to be the most expensive roofing material, sometimes costing 10 times more than asphalt shingles.

If slate is your choice, be prepared for even more extra costs. Slate shingles are much heavier than other roofing materials, so much so that the roofing supports of many homes need to be reinforced before a slate roof can be installed. Even if your home can handle the weight, the mounting hardware and flashing used with slate shingles should be made of copper, so they will last as long as the slate. Copper components cost about 10 times as much as regular metal flashing and nails.

While asphalt, wood and slate account for the vast majority of roofing shingles, there are still other options. Clay tiles are long lasting, maintenance free and fire proof, but they are also very heavy and difficult to install. Metal roofing is increasingly popular with versions that look like any other type of roofing shingle.

The roofing shingle specialists at Contex Roofing know all about different types of roofing shingles and they would be pleased to answer any questions you may have.